Electrical Contactors

What are Contactors?

An electrical contactor is an device that is similar in operation to an electrical relay. Operated remotely and generally found mounted within a single or 3-phase electrical control panel they are an electrical switch operated remotely by a much lower power circuit. Contactors are usually supplied with normally open (NO) contacts and are utilised in circuits whose amperages generally exceed 15 Amps. Contactors also contain arc suppression features that can be produced when switching heavy motor currents, improving their lifespan.

What types of Contactors are available?

Contactors come in a multitude of sizes, from those that can fit in your hand to ones that require the use of lifting equipment to move and install. There are numerous global classifications used for contactors, for example, under IEC 60947-4-1 the current rating of the contactor is dependent upon its utilisation category. These being: AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC4, ranging from slightly inductive loads to rapid stop/start operations of large inductive motors. Industrial contactors have a multitude of applications in electrical circuits such as being used to start and control motors, industrial lighting, capacitor power banks, industrial heating and similar.

View our range of Contactor Switches below

Kempston Controls, a leading stockist of electrical and electronic components stocks a select range of contactors from market leading brands such as ABB, Allen Bradley, Moeller, Siemens, Terasaki, Schneider and more. Give our dedicated sales team a call on +44 (0) 1933 411411 or use the contact form above to discuss your electrical contactor requirements.